“He’s a brilliant boxer. This guy has won everything he can possibly win in boxing.

“I’m being absolutely stupid thinking I can beat him, aren’t I? That’s what they all tell me.

“But I believe in myself and this is why I’ve been a world champion, this is why I’ve been a Commonwealth and European champion and this is why I got to fight at my beloved Goodison Park for the WBC championship of the world - because I believe in myself.

“It doesn’t matter how good he is or how good he’s expected to be on November 10, I’m going to find a way against all the odds once again. I’m looking forward to getting in and taking on the toughest test of my career.”

Tony Bellew is still the “Emeritus” WBC champion - a status created for him which would allow him to return at any point and fight for the title.He will now have an opportunity to end his career as the unified cruiserweight champion of the world - if he does decide to retire after the Usyk bout.

“Oleksandr Usyk is the Mount Everest of the cruiserweights, he’s the icing on the cake,” Bellew added.

“I always thought I could be world champion but never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I was going to fight for all four championship belts and a Ring magazine belt. I never dreamt that would ever be possible.

“I did think I could become world champion, but did I genuinely believe I could fight for all four belts? No. So I couldn’t pass up on this dream.

“I was retired, but this man with four belts round his waist all at the same time and the first name that comes out of his mouth is Tony Bellew.

“Be careful what you wish for because on November 10, you’re going to get it.”

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